We began by dividing the terrace into two distinct areas. The first area was resurfaced with smooth cement and now serves as a seating and dining space. It also leads to wrought-iron and glass front door. The second area, off the living room, was made into a second seating area which features a fire pit and a built-in bench. We opted for turf which also provides a clear distinction between the main entry door and the newly installed living room multi-slide doors. A built-in planter along the wall shared with the neighbors’ towering home, was intentionally planted with rapidly growing plant materials. Eventually, a tall barrier will provide a good deal of seclusion and privacy. A root barrier was installed.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

The master bedroom looks out to the putting green then eventually the 17th Hole of Mesa Verde Country Club. photo chadcheverier.com
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Orange County.

Artistically Tuscan Francesca called me, nearly 13 years ago, as she had seen one of our ads in the Orange County Living Magazine. In that particular ad, she fell in love with the mural work our artists had done for another home we designed in Huntington Beach, California. Although this was a newly built home in Portofira Estates neighborhood, in the city of Orange, both she and her husband knew they would eventually add to the existing square footage, making the family room and kitchen much bigger. We proceeded with designing the house as her time frame and budget proceeded until we completed the entire home. Then, about 5 years ago, Francesca and her husband decided to move forward with getting their expansion project underway. They moved the walls out in the family room and the kitchen area, creating more space. They also added a game room to the upstairs portion of their home. The results are spectacular! This family room has a large angular sofa with a shaped wood frame. Two oversized chairs and ottomans on either side of the sofa to create a circular conversation and almost theatre like setting. A warm, wonderful color palette of deep plums, caramels, rich reds, burgundy, calming greens and accents of black make the entire home come together perfectly. The entertainment center wraps the fireplace and nook shelving as it takes up the entire wall opposite the sofa. The window treatments consist of working balloon shades in a deep plum silk with valances in a rich gold silk featuring wrought iron rods running vertically through the fabric. The treatment frames the stunning panoramic view of all of Orange County.

With the preservation of the historic structure and Dublin landmark always at the forefront of our minds, we found a way to integrate our passionate dedication to the young 21st-century creators of modern Ireland -- all of whom we had previously scouted for the body of creatives known as ‘The Irish Collection’ -- and I believe we successfully achieved showcasing their creations in one of the most well-known settings in the country. It was our ability to listen closely to our clients and translate our vision to them in a way that eventually awarded the studio the opportunity to advocate for artistry in this famous Dublin landmark that will go on to inspire creatives in Ireland for a long time to come. In our determination to show fierce integrity to the original structure, the project became one of the most celebrated expressions of Irish craftsmanship and resource efficiency in 2017. Our studio integrated our clear vision for sophistication and flair within tight constraints -- paving the way for another 20 years of distinguished work.

The past 10 years have seen an explosion of outdoor kitchens and products that transform the backyard into an entertainment space, family gathering place or romantic enclave. What brings people together? Food and libations, and that’s the whole point of moving your kitchen outdoors.. We are a complete design/build service specializing in custom masonry and full masonry outdoor living environments offering you something few others can, a chance to own something permanent and real. Our masonry kitchens and fireplaces are built to last. Not your common modular/prefab units with metal or wood framed walls, tile board and stucco finishes. We feature solid CMU Block structures with stone cladding that will last for decades without breaking down or rotting away. Our counter tops are installed using stainless steel cross members, mortar and stone, not tile and grout atop particle board, which will eventually break down when water seeps through. Once you know what you will be doing with your outdoor patio, it will be easy to determine the appropriate size for it. Will you be using it for barbecue parties on weekends, or will you keep it as a peaceful retreat for yourself and your family? Share these priorities with your Sunset patio Contractor so that you both understand the final result of the patio construction that you are looking for. Greg, Sunset Construction

We wanted to create a natural outdoor living space with elevation change and an open feel. The first time we met they wanted to add a small kitchen and a 200 square foot pergola to the existing concrete. This beautifully evolved into what we eventually built. By adding an elevated deck to the left of the structure it created the perfect opportunity to elevate the sitting walls. Whether you’re sitting on the deck or over by the travertine the sitting wall is the exact same distance off of the floor. By creating a seamless transition from one space to the other no matter where you are, you're always a part of the party. A 650 square foot cedar pergola, 92 feet of stone sitting walls, travertine flooring, composite decking and summer kitchen. With plenty of accent lighting this space lights up and highlights all of the natural materials. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Pergola: Solid Cedar Flooring: Travertine Flooring/ Composite decking Stone: Rattle Snake with 2.25” Cream limestone capping Photo Credit: TK Images

When we met our client, she had just purchased a beautiful estate in Potomac, Maryland but she did not like layout of her backyard. Initially, she contacted Great American to create a safe place for her kids to play. Eventually, the project scope expanded to design and install a welcoming area to entertain and spend relaxing weekends at home. Our first project involved creating a level area for the playset using boulder walls and lush plantings. A couple of years later we returned to renovate the pool, wall, and porch and patio. The existing concrete porch needed to be demolished and replaced. We added a roof over the porch area with metal roofing, columns, recessed lighting and ceiling fans. The retaining wall was redone with a natural stone veneer, flagstone cap, and low-voltage lighting. The porch and pool deck were all covered with silver grey travertine with a flagstone border. We added metal railing above the wall for fall protection, and lush landscaping to make it inviting all season long.

Beautiful white porcelain pavers extend throughout the project for a simple, clean-looking, and easy-to-maintain design. We worked with the natural grade by adding stairs. These also separated the kids' space and kept the hot tub at a more accessible, natural-looking height. Since the homeowners planned to eventually add exterior doors out to the main outdoor living area, our architect designed the landscape with this in mind. The fire pit area is out of the way of the future doors yet still easily accessible. It also provides the perfect vantage point from the client's favorite swinging bench overlooking the fire pit to the property's immaculate lake view. The finished backyard space meets our homeowner's needs flawlessly. From enjoying the lake view by the fire to watching the kids' basketball game from the hot tub, there are several picture-perfect places for this family to make memories for years to come!

Entering the back yard is like entering an English garden. To ensure a seamless look between the original new parts of the house, we built the covered patio using the same German schist stone and timber framed stucco. Further, the stone’s pointing matches the original historic stone, and we used a gray grout for a weathered, aged look. The space is finished off with spiraled lattice iron works and all slate roof. At the end of the roof is an open truss timber frame in a cathedral design. Copper flashing at the joints protects the wood from water sitting in the spaces and eventually rotting the joints. The patio itself features a flagstone floor, built in gas grill, and the other side of the Rumford fireplace found in the family room. Rudloff Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. Rudloff Custom Builders will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with Rudloff Custom Builders from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept: envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission: CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: Linda McManus Images

This home was built in the 70's and as you can imagine has acquired a few "ailments" over the past 40 years, one of the more serious being the deterioration of the front entrance. The brick started to loosen over the years and eventually started to break apart completely, it got to the point that the family could not use the front entrance at all due to the safety hazard it represented. After interviewing with several contractors the home owners contacted David Sharp with DSLD Land Management and he was able to ease the tension and offer a solution that not only resulted in a beautifully restored front entrance but that also fit comfortably into their budget. The project took less than a week to complete and as you can imagine the home owners are thrilled with the final product!

Our clients asked us to design a guest house while thinking about the big picture which included a main house, a guest house, and a garage. We were in the middle of the design phase when they were transferred to Hong Kong. The project continued, as we worked long distance to iron out the details. The guest house/pool house then became home base for periodic visits while we worked on the main house and the garage. Eventually, they came home to their compound, and it feels like they never left.

Redbud tree will eventually create more structure in this formerly flat lawn
Inspiration for a farmhouse backyard landscaping.

Mother Natures masterpiece. Extremely rare Makamong burl table slab! This slice of burl came from an ancient forest tree of Laos. Surviving it's youth as a sapling, it survived despite tropical monsoons, insect invasions and wars to become a behemoth 16 feet in girth and 50 feet to its first branch. It eventually succumbed to old age and began the inevitable journey back to earth from whence it came. This burl was recused before its total demise but not before some insects left some damage in the outer sapwood. A unique, one-of-a-kind forest gem. The slab dimension are 61 long x 34 wide x 17 high. It now sits as a coffee table on a burled redwood base. It would also make a nice bistro table or a wonderful desk. I am selling this as a coffee table cost of $3200. Let me know if you are interested

Front yard for number 23 we installed a block letterbox with a hedging garden behind the wall to eventually grown along the wall.
Inspiration for a large contemporary white two-story house exterior remodel in Sydney

When new homes are put up in an older neighborhood, thoughtful landscape design can provide a more established feel. Our clients wanted beautiful plantings and aesthetically pleasing access to the garage behind the home. D. A. Dunlevy installed a heated parking area that leads to the subtle driveway. A stunning entry gate is trellised for ivy to eventually cover it, which will create a secret garden feel to an otherwise everyday feature. A unique trellised hydrangea curtain lines the drive and will add lush and shady beauty as the plants mature. More custom touches include a traditionally-stacked stone wall, porthole trellis screens that reflect the home’s architecture, and a cedar trellis with espaliered pyracantha. Every detail of this project served to create a well-established, inviting, and old-world feel to a new build.

Photography - Kate Hansen
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Melbourne

The waterfall feature flows down the hillside to pool at the base of the hill. Powdercoated hogwire panels host climbing vines will eventually screen the underside of the front porch.

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.